BMA demands politicians commit to the NHS in run-up to general election

05/05/2017

Will political parties prioritise the health service in run-up to the general election?

All political parties should focus on the NHS during the general election campaign and commit to ‘a long-term funding solution’ for the health service, says the BMA.

In what it is calling its ‘manifesto’, the BMA has set out five areas it wants action on by the political parties. They are:

a long-term funding solution for the NHS

alleviation of pressure across the health system

HS to take priority during Brexit negotiations

stabilisation of general practice as it faces unprecedented demand

a reversal of public health cuts

BMA council chair Mark Porter said: ‘Our NHS is at breaking point and it would be all too easy for this election to become the "Brexit election”’ and little else, at precisely the time when the health service needs the unrelenting focus of politicians from all parties.’

Reflection

Obviously, these points would all be very welcome for the NHS. But is this general election going to be anything other than a ‘Brexit’ election? The Prime Minister has called the vote for the express purpose of strengthening her hand in negotiations with the EU and that seems to be the inevitable battleground